A newly elected MP has revealed how he received a devastating diagnosis of an incurable disease on his first day in parliament.
Queensland LNP MP Darren Zanow, who surprisingly won the traditional Labor seat of Ipswich West during a March by-election, said he will not stand again in the state’s general election in October after being diagnosed with a debilitating neurological condition.
Mr Zanow, who has a seven-year-old daughter, said he was diagnosed with microvascular ischaemic disease on April 16, the same day he took office.
Announcing his condition and decision to step down on Friday, Mr Zanow held back tears as he addressed local media.
“It is with great regret that I make this announcement to my community,” he said.
“It’s not a decision I’ve taken lightly, but the reality is that I haven’t been given any other option.”
Mr Zanow said he loved the Ipswich region and had “fought hard for it” all his life.
“Serving this incredible community as a congressman is one of the greatest honors of my life, but due to this illness my time in public office and likely my life will be cut short,” he continued.
He said through tears that he and his doctors had tried to explore treatment options but “now I have to face the reality of this diagnosis.”
“There is no proven treatment to slow the debilitating effects of my condition and the prognosis for me is that I must focus my attention on my daughter Lola,” he said.
Queensland LNP MP Darren Zanow has announced that a debilitating neurological illness will shorten his time in parliament and “probably his life”.
Microvascular ischemic disease commonly leads to early-onset dementia due to plaque buildup in the brain.
“Seen in a person of my age, it is likely a sign of a more rapid onset and subsequent medical tests have shown this to be true in my case,” Zanow said.
State Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said Zanow’s contribution to Ipswich would endure because he “just loves the place”.
“He came out to defend (the community) when they weren’t getting justice after the floods, he came out to fight for them when they needed resources here at the fairgrounds,” Crisafulli told the mail.
“Everywhere you look in Ipswich, someone has a story about him. He loves the place and that legacy should be celebrated.”
Mr Zanow said he had nominated potential LNP candidates to take his place, but did not name names.
Mr Zanow won the traditionally safe Labour seat of Ipswich West in a surprise by-election in March.
The South East Queensland seat was won by the LNP after a massive 15 per cent swing against Miles’ Labor government.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles paid tribute to Mr Zanow and the role he has played in his local community.
“In this job we may be on different sides, but we’re all human, we all have families, so we wish him all the best,” Miles said.
“He is a genuine Ipswich community leader, sincere about the contribution he has sought to make and, while that contribution will be brief, it was certainly appreciated.”